Sam Smith Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Morrison Onan Farm Dam Aw Tate Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sam Smith Dam, also known as Smith Lake, is a privately owned recreational facility located in Rineltown, Kentucky.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 440 feet in length. It serves the primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for the local community, with a normal storage capacity of 40.4 acre-feet and a total storage of 61.2 acre-feet.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Sam Smith Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is situated on TR-LOGAN BRANCH, within Washington County, Kentucky. With a surface area of 5.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.13 square miles, Sam Smith Dam provides a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
For those interested in exploring water resource management and climate impact on dams, Sam Smith Dam offers a fascinating case study. With its recreational focus, state regulation, and moderate risk assessment, this dam provides insights into the balance between human activity and environmental stewardship. Its location in the Louisville District underlines its significance in the local landscape, making it a valuable resource for studying the intersection of water management, dam safety, and sustainable development in Kentucky.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOGAN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.13 |
Nid Storage |
61.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beech Fork At Maud
|
101cfs |
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
177cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 6 Near Salvisa
|
5420cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 7 At Highbridge
|
5960cfs |
Green River Near Mckinney
|
5cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Sam Smith Dam